Mineola, NY - The American Red Cross on Long Island joined with county, state and local officials and partners on the first day of the Atlantic Hurricane Season to discuss how residents should and can prepare in the event of a hurricane.  

There is a chance of 12 to 17 named storms this year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predictions for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season which officially runs from today, June 1st, through to November 30th. 

“With the increasing risk of climate disasters, it’s more important than ever for all New Yorkers to follow three steps to help keep their families safe: get a kit, make a plan, stay informed,” said Jose Dominguez, CEO, American Red Cross on Long Island. “You can visit www.redcross.org/prepare for more information on how to prepare your family for this hurricane season and for other common disasters like home fires or floods.  

And when making your plan, don’t forget your pets ─ they depend on you for their safety.” 

"New Yorkers in coastal communities are well aware of the impacts of heavy rains, destructive winds, and flooding caused by tropical storms and hurricanes each summer. Unfortunately, we have begun to feel these impacts in other parts of the state, sometimes hundreds of miles from the coast in upstate regions. It is critical that every New Yorker takes time this week and throughout the month to prioritize hurricane preparedness: know your risk, stay informed, and have a plan," said Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray. 

"I want to emphasize the critical importance of hurricane preparedness in our community. Hurricanes can cause significant damage and pose serious threats to our residents and infrastructure. It is crucial that we take proactive measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “The American Red Cross's commitment to preparedness, sheltering, and providing relief supplies is commendable, and we are grateful for their partnership.” 

“Today’s weather patterns are much different than they were several years ago,” said Patrick Beckley, Commissioner of Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. “All it takes is one hurricane to disrupt the lives of millions. In fact, as we have seen with hurricane Sandy, at times it doesn’t even need to be a hurricane to decimate a community. This is your time to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane.” 

“National Grid is prepared for the upcoming hurricane season and our employees are trained and ready,” said Jim Flannery, Vice President of Generation at National Grid and a Red Cross Board Member. “The automatic service shut-off valves that we installed near a customers’ gas meter is an extra safety precaution to protect customers were activated this winter in Long Beach. They worked well, protecting customers equipment and they prevented a large-scale outage. We are proud to work with our great partners at the Red Cross who are there when Long Islanders need them the most  

“Preparedness is our best defense for hurricane season. We at PSEG Long Island are proud to partner with the Red Cross to remind customers on Long Island and in the Rockaways to make their families and homes ready for the upcoming storm season,” said Michael Sullivan, vice president of Electric Operations, PSEG Long Island. “The safety of customers and our employees is our top priority. We also prepare all year long by updating and maintaining the electric infrastructure to provide safe, reliable service, during extreme conditions.” 

“HWCLI is grateful for the partnership with Red Cross of Long Island and the planning and preparedness work we collaborate on all throughout the year to make sure we are ready to respond and meet the needs of our Long Island communities during hurricane season and for all impactful disasters.  This partnership is always focused on strategy to promote positive outcomes for our neighbors and a bright, resilient future for our region,” said Rebecca Sanin, CEO Health & Welfare Council of Long Island. 

“I am proud to partner with the Red Cross to highlight the importance of preparing for hurricane season. Groups like the Red Cross play a crucial role in providing assistance and support during hurricane season on Long Island, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. Preparedness efforts help communities in anticipating and responding to the impact of hurricanes, reducing the potential for loss of life and property damage. I encourage everyone to make a plan for this hurricane season to prevent being caught off-guard,” said Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01) 

“Preparedness is your best defense. Long Islanders know the destructive powers of hurricanes, and at the start of this season, we are reminding the public to remain vigilant and make contingency plans for possible extreme weather emergencies. I applaud the American Red Cross and our local organizations leading the effort to ensure that every Long Islander is informed and prepared every year,” said Senator Kevin Thomas. 

“As another hurricane season approaches, it is important for us not to become complacent,” said Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-10th AD). “As an Island, obviously we are subject to storm surges, flooding, severe erosion and resultant property damage. Planning on the run is never a good idea. I urge my neighbors to prepare necessary supplies, including flashlights, water and non-perishable foods, discuss plans with family members, and ensure that our most vulnerable family members have accommodations ready in case of an emergency.”    

PREPARE YOUR FAMILY NOW With the increasing risk of climate disasters, it’s more important than ever to follow the three steps below to help keep your family safe. Plus, download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and more safety tips. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

• Build an emergency kit with bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and battery-powered radio. Also include medications, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers and emergency contact information. 
• Make an evacuation plan with what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans — and don’t forget your pets. 
• Know how to stay informed by finding out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders. 

BECOME A RED CROSS VOLUNTEER The need to help during disasters has never been greater. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday for more information. Our most-needed disaster positions include: 

• SHELTER SUPPORT: Help at a shelter during a large disaster by welcoming and registering residents, serving meals, setting up cots, distributing blankets and personal hygiene kits, and providing information and other assistance to people in need.  
• HEALTH SERVICES: We also need volunteers who can use their professional skills as a licensed health care provider to deliver hands-on support, including care and education to people staying at a shelter during a large disaster. Qualified licenses include RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP and APRN.  
• DISASTER ACTION TEAM: While big hurricanes get the most news coverage, smaller disasters, such as home fires, are no less devastating to those affected. Join your local Disaster Action Team to help families in need by providing food, lodging, comfort, recovery assistance and other support. 

About the American Red Cross   

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, visit us on Twitter at @redcrossny